About Kerry Ellis
Get unstuck, rediscover joy and transform your life through travel
- even if you've never put yourself first before.
Beyond the
Bucket List
When you work with me it's about more than ticking off bucket list stops. It’s about designing trips that reconnect you with what really matters – wild adventure, real connection, pure joy and a sense of this is what life’s about.
Those memories? They stick around way past unpacking your suitcase, changing how you live, love, and own your world.
Designed for Women Who Crave More
Do you want adventures that hit deep, fresh sparks of inspiration, and stories you’ll tell for years? Whether your adventures are solo, shared, or everything in between, you're in the right place.
From planning your next big holiday to finding those everyday moments of wonder, I help women create trips – and lives – filled with joy, connection, and purpose.
Real Experience,
Real Heart
Certified travel coach? Check. Years of travel planning and well-being know-how? Double check. Plus, I’ve walked through my own big life shake-ups, so I get it - travel done right is pure magic.
I’m here to arm you with the tools, inspiration, and no-nonsense support to turn your dream trips into reality, push past the usual comfort zones, and build a life that makes you feel truly alive and thriving.
Travel Coach & Trip Planning Expert for Big-Hearted Explorers
Hey, I'm Kerry!
I’m Kerry Ellis - a travel coach and travel planner for people who want more from their holidays than just ticking off the top ten sights.
I help overwhelmed travellers design trips that feel just right. Whether you want the ease of handing it over to someone who gets it (and will save you time, money, and stress in the process) - or you’re the kind of person who loves being involved but needs some expert guidance - I’m your girl.
But my work isn’t just about logistics. It’s about helping you find the version of you that only shows up when you’re in new surroundings, trying something for the first time, or finally doing the trip you’ve dreamed about for years.
That’s what transformational travel is all about - and it’s why I became a coach as well as a planner.
Travel Coach & Trip Planning Expert for Big-Hearted Explorers
What I Actually Do
I split my time between two sides of the travel world:
🧭 Travel Coaching – for when you want your holiday to do more than just tick a box. I help clients explore who they are, what they want, and how travel can support that — especially during big life transitions like empty nesting, solo parenting, or changing careers.
🌍 Tailored Travel Planning – for when you want to go somewhere unforgettable but don't want the stress of figuring it all out. From road trips across California to two-week adventures in Japan, I build trips that are personal, seamless, and full of the kind of moments you’ll talk about for years.
Whether you're here for the itinerary or the inner shift (or both), you're in the right place.
Travel Coach & Trip Planning Expert for Big-Hearted Explorers
Why Travel?
I’ve had three gap years so far — and each one has changed me in ways I never expected.
🌍 The first took me to Asia as a twenty something with a boyfriend, a backpack and a wide-open heart.
🌍 The second was a solo adventure around Africa and was a career break that turned into a complete re-evaluation of what I wanted from life.
🌍 The third was after becoming a single parent, inter-railing around Europe when I learned how to travel in a way that made space for me and my kids.
These experiences taught me how travel can be both a mirror and a compass. It shows you who you are - and points to where you’re going next.
I’ve faced fears, redefined success, rebuilt confidence, and learned to trust my instincts - all through travel. That’s why I believe it can be one of the most powerful tools for personal growth we have.
Travel Coach & Trip Planning Expert for Big-Hearted Explorers
My Philosophy
🌍Travel is never "just" a holiday.
It’s a way to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the world.
🌍 You deserve more than a cookie-cutter itinerary.
Your trip should feel like you - not just like a copy of someone else’s reel.
🌍Planning should feel exciting, not exhausting.
I’m here to make the process smoother, smarter, and genuinely enjoyable.
🌍There’s no “perfect time.”
If you’re waiting for the ideal moment, this is your sign that it’s now.
Travel Coach & Trip Planning Expert for Big-Hearted Explorers
Who I Work With
Most of my clients are people like you: thoughtful, curious, and ready to make their dream trip happen - even if they're not sure where to start.
Often, there's a big change or milestone behind the trip: a child leaving home, a relationship shift, a new chapter.
I work especially well with people who have big hearts, busy lives, and a bit of travel hesitation.
Maybe you’re scared of overspending. Maybe you’re worried you’ll miss something epic. Maybe you’re thinking “who am I to do this?”
Trust me - you’re not alone. And that’s exactly why I’m here.
Proof that great trips start here
Trusted by travellers like you
Everything you want to know - no fluff, just straight talk.
You have questions? I have answers
Planning a big trip or want to change your life? It stirs up a million questions - that’s totally normal. I’ve rounded up the juiciest FAQs to cut through the noise and get you pumped and confident for your next adventure. Don’t see your question? Just ask.
What is the difference between travel coaching and travel planning?
Coaching is all about getting clear on what you really want from your trips (and life!) - like reconnecting with yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone, or finally ticking off that bucket list.
Travel planning is where I take the reins and book everything for you. Together? It’s pure magic.
Which service is right for me?
If you're still figuring out where to go, when, or what kind of experience you're really craving - start with travel coaching.
If you already know what you want and just need someone to bring it to life (flights, hotels, activities, logistics) - travel planning is the way to go.
Not sure? Book a free call and I’ll help you work it out.
Do I have to use both the travel coaching and the travel planning service?
Not at all! You can pick whichever suits you - coaching for the soul shifts, done-for-you planning for the smooth trips, or both if you want the ultimate magic combo.
And honestly? If you do both, I give you a killer discount because they work like a dream together.
Can I start with coaching and add planning later?
Absolutely. Many clients begin with coaching to get clarity, then move into full-service planning once they know exactly what kind of trip they want. But there's no pressure to do so.
Can I use your travel coaching even if I want to book it all myself?
Yes! Coaching is perfect if you're a DIY traveller who wants expert advice without handing over the booking. You’ll leave with a clear plan, tailored recommendations, and insider tips - no guesswork, no overwhelm.
Do you offer a bundle if I want both?
Yes - right now, there’s a special offer! If you book travel coaching with me, you’ll get £100 off the cost of your holiday if you go on to book your trip through me.
There’s no discount on travel planning fees (because I don’t charge any!), but this is a great way to turn your coaching insights into real-life travel - and save a bit while you’re at it.
Do I have to be planning a far-away or expensive trip for your services?
Not at all! While I specialise in bucket list trips, that doesn’t mean your holiday has to be far-flung or break the bank. Sometimes the most meaningful travel experiences are closer to home or perfectly tailored to your budget.
Whether it’s a short break that feels like a true escape or a grand adventure, I’m here to help you create a trip that fits your dreams and your reality.
Do I have to travel solo if I use your travel coaching or planning services?
Absolutely not! Whether you want to travel with family, friends, a partner, or even join a small group, I tailor everything around your preferences.
Travel coaching and planning are all about making your trip work for you - with the people you want by your side, at your pace, and in the style you love.
Tips, tales, and travel hacks you’ll love.
Fresh Travel Inspiration & Tips
Ready to level up your wanderlust? Dive into my latest blog posts loaded with insider hacks, real-deal stories, and fresh sparks to fire up your next epic adventure.
Travel with a Purpose: Why Your Next Holiday Needs More Than Just a Flight and a Hotel
Travel with a Purpose: Why Your Next Holiday Needs More Than Just a Flight and a Hotel
Let’s be honest - anyone can book a holiday. You find a deal, click a few buttons, and boom: you’re off. But here’s the thing I’ve learned after years of planning bucket-list trips and coaching people through travel that actually changes their lives: a holiday and a purpose-driven journey are not the same thing.
If you’ve ever come back from a trip feeling like you should be relaxed but instead feel… flat, disconnected, or already counting down to the next break, you’re not alone. And it probably means you’re ready for something deeper.
That’s where purpose comes in.
What Do I Mean by “Purposeful Travel”?
This isn’t about volunteering abroad or quitting your job to find yourself on a yoga mat in Bali (though those can be part of it). Purposeful travel is about intention. It’s about knowing what you want to get out of your trip - emotionally, mentally, even spiritually - and choosing a destination and plan that supports that.
It’s travel that aligns with who you are and where you are in life.
Maybe you want to:
Reconnect with your partner after years of focusing on the kids
Prove to yourself that you’re capable of something bold
Step away from your routines and see what’s waiting beneath them
Reignite your curiosity, creativity, or courage
Stop living on autopilot
Whatever your reason, purposeful travel is a chance to recalibrate - not just escape.
Client Story: The “We Just Need a Break” Couple
Let me tell you about Lucy and Mark. They booked a call with me saying they wanted a “nice break somewhere sunny.” Pretty standard. But when we got talking, it turned out they were on the brink of a big shift. Their last child had left for uni. They were staring at each other across the dinner table thinking, now what?
As we dug deeper, Lucy admitted she wanted to reconnect with the version of herself she’d put on the backburner for 20 years. Mark wanted a bit of adventure - something to shake them out of their routine.
So no, they didn’t need “just a break.” They needed a reset.
We planned a trip to California - not just beaches and wine tastings (though there was plenty of that) - but time to hike, get a little lost on scenic drives, have real conversations in the desert, and see what life could look like next. When they got back, Lucy messaged me and said:
“We didn’t just have a holiday. We remembered how to enjoy each other again.”
That’s what purpose does. It gives the trip weight. Meaning. Momentum.
The Problem With “Default” Travel
Here’s the trap I see people fall into all the time: they plan the same type of trip they’ve always done, or what everyone else is doing, and expect it to fill the gap they’re feeling in their life.
It doesn’t work.
If you’re exhausted, burnt out, or emotionally drained, lying on a beach with a cocktail won’t fix it. If you’re craving clarity or courage or a change of direction, a fast-paced sightseeing frenzy will just leave you tired.
Travel can absolutely help - but only when it matches your intention.
Purpose Doesn’t Mean Planning Every Second
Now, let me be clear: purpose doesn’t mean squeezing the joy out of your trip with a rigid “transform your life or else” schedule. Quite the opposite.
Some of the most powerful moments happen when you let go of the plan. When you give yourself the space to breathe, reflect, and feel something again.
But there’s a huge difference between space that’s thoughtfully created… and a trip that’s thrown together last minute and leaves you overwhelmed or underwhelmed.
Purposeful travel is about designing a framework for your experience - so the magic can happen. You’re not controlling every moment; you’re intentionally shaping the experience you want to have.
Client Story: The Woman Who Needed a Reminder
Another client, Hannah, came to me after a rough year - job stress, family pressures, general burnout. She said, “I feel like I’ve lost my spark.” She wanted to go to Japan, and she was torn between going full tourist mode or hiding in a ryokan and hoping clarity would come.
We built her a trip with just enough structure to give her direction, but tons of space to be - to wander, to sit in onsen baths, to walk through gardens with no destination. She journaled every day. She didn’t rush. She let Japan’s quiet beauty nudge her back to herself.
When we had our post-trip call, she said:
“I didn’t expect to cry in a temple, but it hit me - I’ve been rushing everything for years. I finally stopped. And now I know how I want to live.”
She came home with more than memories. She came home changed.
How to Build Purpose Into Your Next Trip
You don’t need a life coach and a spiritual awakening to plan a purposeful trip. But you do need to slow down and ask better questions.
Here’s where to start:
1. Ask yourself what you really need right now
Not what looks good online. Not what your friends are doing. What do you need? Space? Adventure? Inspiration? Healing?
2. Choose destinations that match that energy
If you want peace, don’t cram five cities into ten days. If you want growth, go somewhere that stretches you a bit. If you want connection, go somewhere that invites conversation—not just sightseeing.
3. Let go of pressure to do everything
Give yourself permission to say no to the “must-sees.” Leave space for slow mornings, spontaneous detours, or doing nothing at all.
4. Reflect as you go
Journaling, voice notes, or even daily chats with a travel coach like me can help you stay connected to your why throughout the trip.
5. Treat the return home as part of the journey
Don’t let it all fade the second you land. Take the insights with you. Make changes. Keep growing.
Final Thoughts: Travel Can Change Everything - If You Let It
You deserve more than just a break. You deserve a trip that fills you up, not just fills the calendar. A trip that reminds you who you are, what you care about, and how you want to live.
That’s what I help people do - create journeys that feed the soul, not just the itinerary.
So if you’re standing at a crossroads, or just feeling the itch that says “there’s more to life than this,” don’t wait. Let your next trip be the one that changes something. Travel with purpose. Travel like it matters. Because it does.
Join The Empty Nester Explorer Club
Tick this box if you're happy to get the occasional message from me about special offers, new travel goodies, and updates you might love. Not your thing anymore? Just reply STOP. Need a hand? Reply HELP.